Cannabis grows among the Native American tribes too
In Washington, USA, the Squaxin Island reservation has opened the first tribal owned recreational marijuana store! The shop is appropriately named Elevation. On the other hand, the tribal Yakama Nation in eastern Washington has banned cannabis altogether. One issue is that Federal law still prohibits cannabis and legal cases could arise. Some also view cannabis as a starter to other more dangerous drugs, but that is controversial.
The changing marijuana perspective
The world and particularly the American business people like Oprah Winfrey are still trying to come to terms with the enormity of the legal marijuana trade. Get the right perspective and you might be motivated to join the green gold rush. Colorado cannabis stores have sold an estimated $275 million worth within the first three months of the current year! What will the story be like in Canada that is strongly in favor of legal recreational cannabis in addition to the legal, medical stuff as happened in Colorado across the border?
A double edged sword
With the entire clamor in favor of cannabis, particularly for medical benefits across many developed countries, some authorities remain adamantly in favor of prohibition like the police and prison guards. The California Correctional Supervisor’s Association is strongly against a policy that allows pot use and is concerned for children. Yet research insists that teenagers are reducing pot usage and crime is falling. They claim that treatment for depression rather than school expulsion would improve their lives. If psychiatric and behavioural problems are treated early, the chances of taking to pot later on would decrease. The alcohol syndrome and other drugs must be considered too. With cannabis decriminalization, we could put an end to the common killing of children that occurs during police violence against lawbreakers. Meanwhile, California spends a vast sum for preventing drug use, and treatment and education facilities for children.
The California decision
Public Policy Institute of California announces that 60% of the state is in favor of absolute pot legal status. In the age group 18 to 34 years, 66% favor pot while 80% of the respondents said they have tried the stuff. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act strategy of using marijuana tax incomes for drug programs is supported by 72% of voters. It is universally believed that Prohibition has failed. AUMA wishes to allow an ounce of weed to those who are 21 or older and would administer rules and taxes. Recreational dope legalization appears to be waiting for November.
